The Spark Blog

Why, Why I Started SPARK Israel Innovation?

March 17, 2024



Back in 1985, when I ventured into the startup world, the Israeli High Tech landscape was drastically different from what we see today. There were only a handful of startups, and venture capital was almost nonexistent. Faced with these challenges, I had no choice but to bootstrap my first company, Shany, fostering its growth organically. This was a time when the titans of the industry roamed unchallenged, and the concept of software patents was just starting to take shape at the USPTO. Recognizing the opportunity, I submitted my first patent, marking the beginning of a journey that would eventually redefine my career and the tech landscape.

The turning point came when Intel acquired Shany and appointed me as the Network Management Business Unit Manager. During my tenure there, I gained invaluable insights into the workings of Corporate America and the dynamics of global customer interactions. This experience was instrumental in shaping my vision for the future. With a renewed spirit and the lessons learned, I embarked on my next venture, Finjan, which aimed at revolutionizing the antivirus technology market by making the virus signature obsolete. Right from the start, I recognized the importance of patents and submitted them diligently, a strategy that eventually paid off, generating over $400 million for Finjan's loyal investors.

However, it wasn't just about the financial returns. My journey with patents taught me the incredible value of collaborative innovation. I observed firsthand how bringing people together not only sparked creativity but also enhanced productivity and innovation across the board. This collaborative approach did wonders for employee morale, fostering a culture of innovation and a strong sense of belonging and commitment to the company.

Encouraged by these outcomes, I initiated "IP campaigns" in all my companies. These campaigns were transformative, yielding breakthrough products, shifting market dynamics, and building a rich and powerful intellectual property portfolio. I came to realize that this process wasn't exclusive to my ventures; it could be replicated and tailored to fit any company, regardless of size or industry.

That's the vision behind SPARK Israel Innovation. We're here to empower companies to launch their own "IP Campaigns," which, over the course of 2-3 months, can produce remarkable value for their next-generation technologies and solutions. This approach not only influences the short-term and long-term solution roadmaps but also ensures a successful product-market fit.

SPARK Israel Innovation isn't limited to startups. It's a catalyst for innovation across the board, accelerating the creation of innovative solutions in market leaders, legacy companies, and mid-sized businesses that have been waiting for the right moment to introduce cutting-edge solutions to their loyal customer base.

I firmly believe that through collaboration and strategic patenting, any organization can transform its approach to innovation, creating a culture of creativity that leads to unparalleled success. This is the essence of SPARK Israel Innovation, and it's the culmination of everything I've learned and experienced over the decades. It's about making that transformative process accessible to all, paving the way for a future where innovation knows no bounds.

Stay tuned for the next post - What my friends tell me about it?